Taj and Babu, who are both in prison, had appealed the trial court’s decision at the High Court. The remaining six are absconding, said Assistant Attorney General Bashir Ahmed.

Momin’s older brother Shamsul Islam Shumon told the media he was satisfied with the decision.

“We have received justice. We were often deceived by the police administration. They were trying to influence the case in many ways. We have yet to receive any help from them. Most of the convicts are still at large.”

“Taj’s gang is still active,” said Shumon. “We have repeatedly gone to the police station to call for arrests, but they haven’t even issued warrants.”

The Supreme Court will uphold the decision if it is appealed, he says.

Momin was killed in a feud over property boundaries in front of his home in north Ibrahimpur on Sept 13, 2005. That day his father filed a case against OC Rafiq and 25 others.

On May 13, 2007 the Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) filed a chargesheet excluding Rafiq from the list of suspects.

An objection was filed with the court and the case was given to the Detective Branch. On Mar 2, 2008 the DB submitted a report that also excluded Rafiq.

The judicial branch then took over the investigation and, on Oct 30, 2008 filed a report accusing OC Rafiq and eight others.

The chargesheet was accepted on Nov 11 that same year. The trial began with the indictment of the nine suspects on Oct 5, 2009.

The case was later handed over to another court. On Jan 2, 2011 Rafiq was indicted again. The verdict was declared on Jul 20, 2011.

The case was then sent to the High Court the death references and appeals. The High Court began hearing the case on Nov 12, 2016.